Elana Ruminski
College of Southern Nevada (CSN) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
School website: https://www.csn.edu/
Hometown: Puyallup, Washington
Elana Ruminski
Elana Ruminski
College of Southern Nevada (CSN) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
Hometown: Puyallup, Washington
Bio: Elana loves good eats, traveling, her family dog’s Griffey (bernedoodle) and Nala (goldendoodle), spending time with her loved ones and experiencing all things! She was born and raised in Washington State where she developed her love for swim and water polo as well as team and community environments. She attended UNLV where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Minor in sociology. While in college, she was involved on campus attending any and all events and an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta and Rebel Events Board. After graduating from UNLV, she served for AmeriCorps for 2 terms at Tacoma Community College (TCC) in Tacoma, Washington. While at TCC she helped students in the beginning of their higher ed journey with the application and enrollment process at the college. In the near future, she’s interested in volunteering for programs that are in various countries outside of the US.
Favorite Quote: “Enjoy the Journey”
Jairon Castellanos-Boteo
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
School website: https://www.tmcc.edu/recruitment-access-center/gear-up
Hometown: San José Acatempa, Guatemala
Jairon Castellanos-Boteo
Jairon Castellanos-Boteo
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
Hometown: San José Acatempa, Guatemala
Bio: Jairon Castellanso-Boteo is a first-generation college graduate, TRiO Scholar and First in the Pack Alum. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social work from the University of Nevada, Reno. Jairon obtained his Masters in Social work from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2020. He also recently graduated in 2021 with an associates in Theology.He is from Guatemala and grew up in Reno Nevada.. He loves Japanese food and their culture. When Jairon is not at work you can either find him at the gym, riding his motorcycle, Working on his car, or playing with his German shepherd BEAR. He is excited to be part of the GEAR UP team and hopes to help students receive a fun and enriching experience while achieving their goals.
Favorite Quote: “If you don’t like your destiny, don’t accept it. Instead have the courage to change it the way you want it to be.” – Naruto Uzumaki
Kelly Briggs
Great Basin College (GBC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
School website: https://www.gbcnv.edu/
Hometown: Orangeville, ON
Kelly Briggs
Kel
ly Briggs
Great Basin College (GBC)
First Year College Advisor
School Website: https://www.gbcnv.edu
Hometown: Orangeville, ON
Bio: Kelly is originally from Ontario, Canada, where she earned degrees in Classics before focusing on Education. She taught ESL in Toronto, Ontario and Guangzhou, China and then returned to the University of Toronto to complete an education degree with an emphasis in multi-cultural classrooms. She then lived and taught in Cairo, Egypt and Manhattan, Kansas before moving to Nevada. When not working, she enjoys spending time in her garden and exploring new places. She is excited to work as a First Year Advisor at Great Basin College helping students identify, refine, and work towards their dreams.
Favorite Quote: “ The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
Joy Cooper
Nevada State University (NSU) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
School website: https://nevadastate.edu/
Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Joy Cooper
Joy Cooper
Nevada State University (NSU) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bio: Joy graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with areas of study in English, secondary education, and counseling. During her undergraduate career, Joy served as a military police soldier in the Nevada Army National Guard, was a charter member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority’s Eta Rho chapter, and was a recipient of the 2023 Lance and Elena Calvert Award for Undergraduate Research in the Creative Works category. Coming from a family of educators, Joy has always believed in the value of education and the importance of socio-emotional health for students and their success. Outside of GEAR UP, Joy enjoys playing video games, reading books, going to the gym, and hanging out at cat cafes.
Favorite Quote: “From a different perspective, an imposing wall is just a large door.” – Shinichi Kudo
Jessica Edmondson Johnson
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
School website: https://www.unlv.edu/
Hometown: Payson, UT
Jessica Edmonson Johnson
Jessica Edmondson Johnson
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
Hometown: Payson, UT
Bio: : My name is Jessica Johnson. I am a first-year graduate student in the Couple & Family Therapy Program at UNLV. I am fascinated by people and relationships. I enjoy cooking with my husband & I love to dance, ski, and read! I also have one little niece who brings so much light and happiness to my life.<3
Favorite Quote: "The moment you accept responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you have the POWER to change anything in your life." – Hal Elrod
Tawnie D’Angelo
Western Nevada College (WNC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
School website: https://wnc.edu/advising/high-school-programs/gear-up.php
Hometown: Minden, Nevada
Tawnie D'Angelo
Tawnie D’Angelo
Western Nevada College (WNC) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
Hometown: Minden, NV
Bio: I am honored to be the new GEAR UP Ambassador for Western Nevada College. My passion for education began during my studies at the University of Nevada, Reno where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. During my senior year of college, I had the opportunity to participate in a work-based practicum at Western Nevada College where I assisted in Student Outreach. This is where I found my love of education and helping students reach their potential. I taught Pre-Kindergarten in Truckee, CA. before joining the GEAR Up team. I believe education is an important part of our lives from early childhood on and we never stop learning. In my free time, you can find me on the golf course or playing with my two crazy dogs!
Favorite Quote: “It Doesn’t Matter Where You Came From. All That Matters Is Where You Are Going.”- Brian Tracy
Jerome Vickers
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
School website: https://www.unr.edu/
Hometown: Union, NJ
Jerome Vickers
Jerome Vickers
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) GEAR UP First Year Advisor
Hometown: Union, NJ
Bio: Originally from New Jersey, Jerome’s first role in education was as a substitute teacher and high school football coach and worked as an educator in Florida before relocating to Nevada in 2024. He has a decade of university experience as an instructor and academic advisor including advising over 500 student-athletes, first-generation students, and at-risk students from enrollment to graduation and training 300 students to achieve their undergraduate degree and K-12 teacher certification. Jerome holds degrees in Recreation, Sport Management and Educational Leadership.
In his free time enjoys watching sports, traveling, and coaching youth football camps. Jerome is excited to work as a First Year Advisor at the University of Nevada, Reno to help students enhance their skills, recognize their passion and transition to a college student.
Favorite Quote: “Be kind to the people you meet on the way up because you’re going to meet the same people on the way down”. – Jackie Gleason
